Prologue: An Invitation into a Greater Story
Do you sense that the true reality of life is far greater than what daily routines reveal? We invite you to enter a grander, more ancient, and far more real narrative—a cosmic epic of redemption authored by God Himself.
This story concerns the ultimate origin of all things: A God of love, an eternal law of life reflecting His holy character, and a royal race entrusted with a sacred vocation.
This story concerns a cosmic rupture: An accusation raised in heaven against divine love and law, erupting into a cosmic struggle across heavenly and earthly realms.
This story concerns an astonishing cost: The eternal Son entering history in true human flesh, simultaneously vindicating the righteousness of the law and extending forgiveness through His cross and sanctuary priesthood.
This story concerns an appointed consummation: A public universal judgment, the total eradication of sin, and an everlasting new creation where love reigns as natural law.
We believe that human existence discovers its true dignity, purpose, and hope only within this grand story. Below is our confessional statement—articulated in thirty-four foundational affirmations—expressing our faith, mission, and blessed hope.
Volume I: God and Revelation (Articles 1–7)
1. The Trinity
We affirm that there is one and only one God, who is eternal, self-existent, uncreated, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, perfectly loving, righteous, and just. This one God is a Trinity, consisting of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are one in nature, essence, and Godhead, and are co-eternal, co-equal, and co-existent. The three divine persons are distinct in personhood, inseparable in being, harmonious in will and operation, and united in purpose in creation, redemption, judgment, and the restoration of all things.
We deny any form of polytheism, modalism, subordinationism, or any teaching that divides the divine essence or confuses the personal distinctions within the Godhead.
We deny any form of polytheism, modalism, subordinationism, or any teaching that divides the divine essence or confuses the personal distinctions within the Godhead.
Scripture Foundations: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
2. The Father
We affirm that the Father is God, unbegotten, eternal, and the source of all things. He purposes, commands, and upholds the universe in perfect wisdom, righteousness, and love. He sent the Son for human redemption and, together with the Son, sends the Holy Spirit for regeneration and sanctification.
We deny any doctrine that diminishes the deity of the Father or portrays Him as morally or essentially unlike the Son or the Holy Spirit.
We deny any doctrine that diminishes the deity of the Father or portrays Him as morally or essentially unlike the Son or the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Foundations: Psalm 110:1, 4; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6
3. The Son, Jesus Christ
We affirm that the Son, Jesus Christ, is God, eternally begotten of the Father, not made, of one essence with the Father. In the fullness of time He took true humanity, being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, becoming fully God and fully man in one person. He lived without sin, fulfilled the divine Law, died as a substitutionary atonement, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now serves as our High Priest and Advocate.
We deny any teaching that denies His full deity, full humanity, sinlessness, bodily resurrection, or mediatorial ministry.
We deny any teaching that denies His full deity, full humanity, sinlessness, bodily resurrection, or mediatorial ministry.
Scripture Foundations: John 1:1-3, 14; 10:30; Hebrews 1:3; 2:14-18; 4:15; 9:24
4. The Holy Spirit
We affirm that the Holy Spirit is God, eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. He is a divine person who inspires Scripture, convicts of sin, regenerates believers, grants spiritual gifts, and sanctifies the Church. He guides the people of God into all truth, glorifies Christ, and seals the redeemed for the day of final redemption.
We deny that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force, created being, or inferior deity.
We deny that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force, created being, or inferior deity.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 1:2; John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-8, 13; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12
5. The Law of God
We affirm that the moral Law of God, summarized in the Ten Commandments, is the eternal, righteous, and loving expression of God’s character and government. The Law defines sin, reveals righteousness, establishes moral order, and stands as the standard of divine judgment. Christ upheld, fulfilled, and honored the Law without abolishing it.
We deny that the Law is arbitrary, changeable, or abolished for believers, or that righteousness can be defined apart from the Law.
We deny that the Law is arbitrary, changeable, or abolished for believers, or that righteousness can be defined apart from the Law.
Scripture Foundations: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:7-8; Romans 3:20; 7:12; Matthew 5:17-18; Revelation 12:17; 14:12
6. Divine Revelation
We affirm that God has revealed Himself and His will to humanity by means of progressive revelation, including oral revelation to the patriarchs, the written Scriptures, and the eschatological illumination of the Holy Spirit. All true revelation is consistent with the character of God and the testimony of Scripture.
We deny that post-apostolic revelation may alter or override the written Word of God.
We deny that post-apostolic revelation may alter or override the written Word of God.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 1:1-3; 22:18-19
7. Holy Scripture
We affirm that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, written Word of God, infallible in what they affirm, and the supreme authority for doctrine, life, and the testing of all claims of truth. Scripture is sufficient for salvation and constitutes the final norm by which all teaching, experience, and revelation must be examined.
We deny that tradition, experience, or private revelation stands above or equal to Scripture.
We deny that tradition, experience, or private revelation stands above or equal to Scripture.
Scripture Foundations: Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 8:20; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12
Volume II: Creation, Humanity, and the Fall (Articles 8–12)
8. Creation
We affirm that the triune God created the heavens, the earth, and all living beings out of nothing by His word and sovereign will. Creation was purposeful, orderly, and good, reflecting the wisdom, power, and love of the Creator. Time, relationships, and natural laws were established as part of this created order.
We deny all forms of naturalism, atheistic evolution, or any theory that removes God from the origin, purpose, and governance of creation.
We deny all forms of naturalism, atheistic evolution, or any theory that removes God from the origin, purpose, and governance of creation.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Psalm 33:6, 9; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3
9. Humanity in the Image of God
We affirm that humanity, male and female, was created in the image and likeness of God, possessing dignity, moral agency, and freedom. Humanity was entrusted with stewardship over the earth and called to reflect God’s character in love, obedience, and creativity.
We deny that the image of God refers merely to physical form or that human worth is determined by function, ability, or social status.
We deny that the image of God refers merely to physical form or that human worth is determined by function, ability, or social status.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 15; Psalm 8:4-8; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10
10. The Moral Order and Human Vocation
We affirm that God established a moral order rooted in His Law, and that humanity was created to live in harmonious relationship with God, one another, and creation. Marriage between one man and one woman was instituted as a divinely ordained covenantal union.
We deny that moral law is culturally constructed or that marriage may be redefined beyond its creational design.
We deny that moral law is culturally constructed or that marriage may be redefined beyond its creational design.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 2:18, 21-24; Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-32
11. The Fall and the Entrance of Sin
We affirm that humanity, through voluntary disobedience to the divine command, fell from original righteousness and forfeited communion with God. Through this transgression, sin entered the world, bringing corruption, estrangement, and death. This fall affected all humanity and creation.
We deny that the fall was inevitable, that sin is merely ignorance or imperfection, or that humanity remained morally neutral after the fall.
We deny that the fall was inevitable, that sin is merely ignorance or imperfection, or that humanity remained morally neutral after the fall.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 3:1-19; Romans 5:12, 19; 8:20-22; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
12. Universal Sinfulness and Death
We affirm that all humans are born into a condition of sin and alienation, are morally corrupted, and are under the reign of death. As such, no one can justify himself or attain righteousness apart from divine grace. Death is the wages of sin and stands as the divine judgment upon rebellion.
We deny that humans are essentially good, capable of saving themselves, or that death is a natural or benign part of existence.
We deny that humans are essentially good, capable of saving themselves, or that death is a natural or benign part of existence.
Scripture Foundations: Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-12, 23; 5:12; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3
Volume III: Redemption and the Work of Christ (Articles 13–19)
13. The Covenant of Redemption
We affirm that before the creation of the world, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit purposed in perfect unity the redemption of humanity, establishing a covenantal plan whereby the Son would become Mediator and Substitute for sinners.
We deny that redemption was a divine reaction to unforeseen events or that the cross was an accident of history.
We deny that redemption was a divine reaction to unforeseen events or that the cross was an accident of history.
Scripture Foundations: Ephesians 1:3-4, 9-10; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 13:8
14. The Person of Christ
We affirm that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, possessing two natures in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation. The eternal Son assumed human nature for our salvation.
We deny any teaching that diminishes His full deity, full humanity, or personal unity.
We deny any teaching that diminishes His full deity, full humanity, or personal unity.
Scripture Foundations: John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:14, 17
15. The Sinless Life of Christ
We affirm that Christ lived in perfect obedience to the moral Law of God, thereby demonstrating the goodness and viability of that Law and providing the righteousness required for our justification.
We deny that Jesus merely appeared righteous, or that His obedience was optional to the work of redemption.
We deny that Jesus merely appeared righteous, or that His obedience was optional to the work of redemption.
Scripture Foundations: Matthew 5:17; John 8:46; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22
16. The Atoning Death of Christ
We affirm that Jesus Christ died once for all as a substitutionary sacrifice, bearing the penalty of sin under the justice of the Law, satisfying divine righteousness, and reconciling believers to God.
We deny that the atonement merely provides moral influence or that sin can be forgiven apart from the demands of divine justice.
We deny that the atonement merely provides moral influence or that sin can be forgiven apart from the demands of divine justice.
Scripture Foundations: Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:25-26; 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24
17. The Bodily Resurrection of Christ
We affirm that Christ rose bodily from the dead on the third day, thereby defeating death and guaranteeing the resurrection of believers.
We deny that the resurrection was merely spiritual, symbolic, or mythological.
We deny that the resurrection was merely spiritual, symbolic, or mythological.
Scripture Foundations: Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22; 1 Peter 1:3
18. The Ascension and Heavenly Priesthood of Christ
We affirm that Christ ascended bodily into heaven and ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary, interceding on behalf of His people on the basis of His blood.
We deny that Christ’s priesthood ceased at the cross or that His heavenly ministry is merely figurative.
We deny that Christ’s priesthood ceased at the cross or that His heavenly ministry is merely figurative.
Scripture Foundations: Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 8:1-2; 9:24
19. Salvation by Grace through Faith
We affirm that sinners are justified by grace through faith alone in Christ, apart from works of the Law, and that salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace. True faith produces obedience and love as its fruit.
We deny that human works contribute meritoriously to justification or that saving faith can remain fruitless.
We deny that human works contribute meritoriously to justification or that saving faith can remain fruitless.
Scripture Foundations: Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3:24, 28; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; James 2:17-18, 26
Volume IV: The Sanctuary and Eschatological Procedure (Articles 20–26)
20. The Heavenly Sanctuary
We affirm that the heavenly Sanctuary is the true dwelling place of God’s throne and the center of Christ’s priestly ministry. The earthly sanctuary was a divinely given type pointing to this reality.
We deny that the Sanctuary is a mere symbol or that God’s redemptive work is confined to earthly structures.
We deny that the Sanctuary is a mere symbol or that God’s redemptive work is confined to earthly structures.
Scripture Foundations: Exodus 25:8-9; Hebrews 8:1-2, 5; 9:11-12, 24; Revelation 11:19
21. The Investigative Judgment
We affirm that in fulfillment of Daniel 8:14, Christ began the work of investigative judgment in the heavenly Sanctuary in 1844, publicly reviewing the records of professed believers in view of the final blotting out of sins. This judgment vindicates God’s justice before the universe.
We deny that this judgment decides eligibility for salvation at that moment or that God needs information to determine human destinies.
We deny that this judgment decides eligibility for salvation at that moment or that God needs information to determine human destinies.
Scripture Foundations: Daniel 7:9-10; 8:14; Malachi 3:16-18; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 14:6-7
22. The Two-Phase Atonement
We affirm that the atonement consists of two inseparable phases: the sacrificial phase at the cross, where the penalty of sin was borne, and the priestly/cleansing phase in the heavenly Sanctuary, where the record of forgiven sins is finally removed.
We deny that the atonement was completed solely at the cross in a way that eliminates Christ’s priestly ministry.
We deny that the atonement was completed solely at the cross in a way that eliminates Christ’s priestly ministry.
Scripture Foundations: Leviticus 16:15-19, 30; Hebrews 9:22-23, 26; 10:12-14; 1 John 1:9
23. The Three Angels’ Messages
We affirm that the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 constitute God’s final worldwide proclamation, calling all peoples to worship the Creator, to depart from Babylon, and to resist the mark of the beast in the end-time conflict over allegiance and Law.
We deny that these messages are symbolic of general moral appeals or that they lack contemporary relevance.
We deny that these messages are symbolic of general moral appeals or that they lack contemporary relevance.
Scripture Foundations: Revelation 14:6-12; 18:1-4; Exodus 20:8-11; Acts 17:30-31
24. The Close of Probation
We affirm that when Christ completes His ministry in the heavenly Sanctuary, the time of universal probation will close, and every case will stand fixed for eternity.
We deny that intercession continues indefinitely or that human destinies remain undecided beyond this point.
We deny that intercession continues indefinitely or that human destinies remain undecided beyond this point.
Scripture Foundations: Daniel 12:1; Matthew 25:10-13; Luke 13:24-25; Revelation 22:11-12
25. The Latter Rain and Last-Day Witness
We affirm that before the close of probation, the Holy Spirit will be poured out as the “latter rain,” empowering God’s people to proclaim the final message with clarity, courage, and love.
We deny that the latter rain is merely historical or that the end-time witness arises from human effort alone.
We deny that the latter rain is merely historical or that the end-time witness arises from human effort alone.
Scripture Foundations: Joel 2:28-29; Zechariah 10:1; Acts 2:17-18; Revelation 18:1-2
26. The Time of Trouble
We affirm that after the close of probation there will be a time of unprecedented trouble, during which Christ’s people will stand without a mediator yet upheld by His righteousness.
We deny that this period contributes merit toward salvation or that God abandons His faithful during it.
We deny that this period contributes merit toward salvation or that God abandons His faithful during it.
Scripture Foundations: Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 7:14; 12:17
Volume V: Believer's Life and Church Mission (Articles 27–30)
27. Repentance and Conversion
We affirm that repentance is a Spirit-wrought sorrow for sin and turning from it, and that conversion unites the believer to Christ by faith.
We deny that repentance consists merely of regret or that conversion can occur apart from genuine faith.
We deny that repentance consists merely of regret or that conversion can occur apart from genuine faith.
Scripture Foundations: Acts 2:38; 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9
28. Holiness and Obedience
We affirm that the sanctifying work of the Spirit writes God’s Law upon the heart, producing obedience, love, and holiness in the believer’s life.
We deny that holiness is perfectionism, or that obedience earns favor with God.
We deny that holiness is perfectionism, or that obedience earns favor with God.
Scripture Foundations: Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 6:22; 8:3-4; 1 Peter 1:15-16
29. Baptism, Communion, and Ordinances
We affirm that baptism by immersion symbolizes union with Christ in His death and resurrection; that the Lord’s Supper memorializes His sacrifice and anticipates His return; and that the ordinance of humility fosters unity and service among believers.
We deny that these ordinances confer salvation apart from faith or may be disregarded by Christ’s disciples.
We deny that these ordinances confer salvation apart from faith or may be disregarded by Christ’s disciples.
Scripture Foundations: Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:14-15
30. The Seventh-day Sabbath
We affirm that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath instituted at Creation, memorializing both creation and redemption as signs of God’s covenant.
We deny that the Sabbath was instituted solely for Israel or that its sanctity has been transferred to another day.
We deny that the Sabbath was instituted solely for Israel or that its sanctity has been transferred to another day.
Scripture Foundations: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14; Mark 2:27-28; Hebrews 4:9-10
Volume VI: Consummation and Eternity (Articles 31–32)
31. The Second Advent and Resurrection
We affirm that Jesus Christ will return personally, visibly, and gloriously; that the righteous dead will be raised immortal, and the righteous living will be transformed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
We deny that the Second Advent is figurative, secret, or realized solely within the believer’s experience.
We deny that the Second Advent is figurative, secret, or realized solely within the believer’s experience.
Scripture Foundations: Matthew 24:30-31; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
32. The Millennium, Final Judgment, and New Creation
In these thirty-two articles we bear witness to the eternal gospel, the everlasting Law, the priestly ministry of Christ, the vindication of God’s government in the heavenly Sanctuary, and the blessed hope of His soon return. We confess these truths reverently and joyfully, not as mere propositions but as the living framework of our faith, worship, mission, and hope.
Scripture Foundations: Revelation 20:1-6, 11-15; 21:1-5; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Malachi 4:1
Epilogue: Your Story Connects Here
This is the great story we believe. It gives history its direction, suffering its meaning, law its warmth, and life its glorious consummation.
Therefore, we are a people:
- Illuminated by the light of this story, thereby understanding the true reality of the universe.
- Redeemed by the protagonist of this story (Jesus Christ), thereby delivered from the cycle of despair and death.
- Reshaped by the author of this story (the Holy Spirit), with the divine law inscribed upon our hearts in loving obedience.
- Summoned by the final chapter of this story, heralding the Three Angels' urgent warning and the blessed hope of the Advent.
- United in the sanctuary community of faith (the church), upholding one another on the pilgrim way.
- Anchored in the glorious climax of the story (the New Heaven and New Earth), walking in steadfast certainty until the morning breaks.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!